Top Summer Activities for Your Gaylord National Resort Staycation

Positioned alongside the glistening Potomac River in National Harbor, Gaylord National Resort stands as an iconic destination just minutes from Washington, DC, offering a haven of luxury and entertainment for DMV residents. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, this resort has curated an array of summer activities to pamper and entertain guests. From Sunday brunch to thrilling river adventures and rooftop cocktails, a staycation here promises to be refreshing and memorable.

SUMMER SAVINGS AT THE GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, DMV residents are celebrated with exclusive discounts at Gaylord National Resort!

Prince George County residents receive special rates starting at $179 on select summer days with code S5198 at booking.
Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia residents receive up to 30% off with code S5235 at booking.
Get 16% off breakfast, Sunday brunch, and lunch at Old Hickory Steakhouse.
Enjoy free beer-tasting events, bartender demos, and sunset specials at Belvedere Lobby Bar & Harbor Social.
Indulge in tropical spa services at Relâche Spa with special Father’s Day weekend treatments. Inquire about weekday specials.

Wine and charcuterie at Gaylord National Resort

1. Enjoy FREE Resort Activities

Many of the resort's restaurants offer a range of complimentary activities to enhance your stay, including cocktail sampling, beer tasting, wine and cheese pairing, and more.

A jet car is tied up to a boat at Gaylord National Resort.

2. Explore the Riverfront by Boat, Kayak, Jet Car, or Paddleboard

Explore the riverfront with kayak, jet car, and paddleboard rentals right off the Gaylord’s pier. Reserve your water toys ahead of time for an exciting adventure. Guests are also invited to moor their own boats at the pier or charter a boat for a day on the Potomac River!

Kids play on a splash pad at Gaylord National Resort

3. Splash & Swim the Day Away

The Junior Olympic-sized, 24-meter pool at Gaylord National Resort provides fitness and family fun. The doors open to a glorious outdoor sundeck complete with a whirlpool, kid splash pad, and a pool bar. Kids can enjoy complimentary popsicles, while adults can take advantage of drink specials at the pool bar every weekend.

4. See the Luminosity Light Show from Your Atrium View Room

Atrium View rooms overlook the beautifully landscaped gardens and meticulously maintained resort. A captivating light show erupts each evening, taking Atrium View guests on an entrancing journey through outer space, into lightning storms, on dazzling roller coasters, and inside of firework displays from the comfort of their rooms!

A masseuse gives a massage to a woman by candlelight at Relache Spa

5. Find True Relaxation at Relâche Spa & Salon

Experience holistic recovery and regeneration at Relâche Spa overlooking the breathtaking waterfront. Treatments are infused with natural elements and delivered by expert therapists to ignite your senses and soothe your soul.

An augmented reality baby elephant appears at Gaylord National Resort with a woman taking a photo of it.

6. Take a Virtual Safari & Discover the Atrium Gardens

Inside the massive, 19-story glass atrium, you’ll find one-and-a-half acres of lush, indoor gardens. Search for twelve endangered animals by finding the tracking markers that enable the animals to come to life through augmented reality. Simply download the free app on your smartphone to get started and take photos with your new animal friends along the way! This spellbinding experience was created for children of all ages.

A group of three cheer on a duck pin bowler as she rolls the ball down the lane at Harbor Social.

7. Enjoy Friendly Competition at Harbor Social

Harbor Social opens at 4 pm nightly and serves as a perfect laid-back gathering spot. Unwind at this sports bar with drinks and games like darts, bocce ball, and duckpin bowling.

A pancake platter is served for brunch at Old Hickory Steakhouse alongside fruits and whipped cream.

8. Indulge in Sunday Brunch at Old Hickory Steakhouse

Treat yourself to an elegant Sunday brunch at Old Hickory Steakhouse featuring farm-fresh omelets, Wagyu steak & eggs, or a pancake board, paired with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.

Interior of an 80s-themed bar, Pose Rooftop Lounge, at Gaylord National Resort. The bar is decorate with white furniture and pastel artwork.

9. Toast Cocktails at the Rooftop Lounge

Pose Rooftop Lounge, an 80s-themed bar decked in pastels and old-school decor, features captivating design elements including neon lights, arcade games, and 80’s hits. Unwind with panoramic views of the skyline and riverfront while sipping on craft cocktails at this unique lounge.

A family of four walks along the waterfront in National Harbor on a sunny day with boats and the Capital Wheel in the background.

10. Experience National Harbor’s Vibrant Culture

Venture out and shop at unique boutiques, relax with drinks on the water, take a spin on the Capital Wheel, or try your luck at the nearby MGM National Harbor. Gaylord National Resort overnight guests enjoy complimentary rides on the circulator bus for transportation to MGM, Tanger National Harbor, and the National Harbor Waterfront.

As you wrap up your staycation at Gaylord National Resort, take a sunset stroll along the waterfront while reminiscing on your newfound memories. Whether seeking peace in the atrium gardens or embarking on adventures like the virtual safari, each activity is designed to enhance your stay and foster moments of joy and relaxation. Gaylord National Resort invites you to return for new delights each season, ensuring a refreshed menu of experiences. Plan your escape today and immerse yourself in the endless possibilities offered by this remarkable resort.

*This blog post is sponsored by Gaylord National Resort

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